Definitions

Volunteers: are individuals who bring unique skills and motivations to a full-time volunteer assignment.

All volunteers commit to:

• Walk with the disadvantaged and those who suffer from injustice
• Participate enthusiastically in issues and activities of the local faith community and the local neighbourhood
• Live simply in a shared household where caring relationships can be affirmed and nurtured
• Learn from new cultural settings where perceptions and outlooks may vary from one's own 

The MVSA program is organized primarily for the benefit of single young adults. Older applicants will be considered on a case-by-case basis by Units which can accommodate them. 

Unit: An MVSA Unit is three to six individuals living in a common residence in a particular geographic area, sharing living responsibilities and resources, while serving to meet human needs in their volunteer placements. 

Local Leadership: The MVSA Committee of the sponsoring congregation.  

Sponsoring Congregation: the local congregation that is responsible for teh MVSA Unit. The Sponsoring Congregation is the official employer of all MVSA participants.  

Placement Agency: the organization(s) providing the volunteer work for MVSA participants.